Wrist supports are undoubtedly very common in the sports industry. Why? Because they’re incredibly versatile. While most people view wrist supports as a response to injury or pain, athletes are aware that they can also be used to prevent injury. Additionally, wrist supports restrict, protect, and support the movement of your wrist. They are often recommended or prescribed by doctors to treat wrist pain issues.
If you’re unsure whether you need to be wearing a sports wrist support, here is a short guide to help you learn more about wrist supports.
Do Wrist Supports Work?
Yes, they do. They help to stabilize the bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments of the wrist joint. They also prevent further damage, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain and promote quicker healing.
How Do I Choose the Right Wrist Support?
With so many options of sports wrist support available in the market, it can be challenging to pick the right one. Each type has its own unique properties, so it’s essential to consider these factors:
- Material: The wrist support should be made of comfortable material.
- Appearance: If you are wearing the support throughout, consider choosing an aesthetically pleasing design or color you would be comfortable with.
- Size: Ensure the support is the correct size.
Should You Wear a Wrist Brace While Working Out?
Supporting your wrist with a brace when exercising is an amazing way to protect your wrist and help the injury recover quickly. This way, you can still stay in shape even during your recovery. But ensure that your workouts aren’t causing you any pain. If you experience wrist pain when working out, stop immediately.
Can I Wear a Wrist Brace Throughout the Day?
Doctors recommend wearing a wrist brace at night to keep the wrist in an ergonomic position. Some people also use a wrist brace during the day when they need additional support. However, freeing your joints during the day is crucial to avoid stiffness. Try as much as possible to avoid using a wrist brace all day and night unless you’ve been instructed by a medical professional.
How Tight Should a Brace Be?
Your wrist brace should be tight enough to provide support and stability yet still offer comfort. Remove or loosen the brace if you’re experiencing skin irritation, numbness, or loss of circulation. A brace shouldn’t make it challenging for you to move your wrist and fingers or interfere with your everyday activities.
What Can I Use to Support My Wrist?
1. Wrist Braces
Wrist braces help hold your wrist comfortably and prevent repetitive movements that could cause inflammation or irritation. They also alleviate pain and fasten the healing process.
2. Wrist Wraps
There are several ways you could benefit from using wrist wraps. They support your wrist by reducing stress, aligning your hand and forearm, and helping you maintain good form when working out.
3. Wrist Straps
Wrist straps are used to increase grip strength. It is very rare to see even the strongest lifters do a heavy lift without using wrist straps.
How Do Wrist Straps Help?
While several hand techniques, such as a hook grip or mixed grip, prevent the bar from sliding, they are less effective. Wrist straps eliminate grip failure and allow you to lift as you can. However, this does not mean you should use them to hide a weak grip. Try to find other ways to train your arms and hands in order to build your own gripping abilities.
When Should I Start Using Wrist Straps?
If you are a beginner, using wrist straps can be very tricky. It is also unlikely that you’ll be lifting enough to actually benefit from straps. It’s usually advisable to wait at least three months to improve your natural grip strength before using wrist straps.
When you do start using straps, only use them on pull exercises such as rows, lat pulls, or the deadlift. Avoid using them for anything where there’ll be a weight above you, like the bench press or overhead press, in case you have to drop the weight unexpectedly.
What are the Pros and Cons of Using Wrist Straps?
Pros
- They help you improve your grip strength.
- Straps are easy to use.
- You can use them for many exercises.
- They are easy to carry.
- They allow you to lift heavier weights.
Cons
- It is possible to become over-dependent on them. Using them too much can make you develop a weaker grip.
- Many leather wrist straps deteriorate quickly.
Bottom Line on Sports Wrist Support
If your wrist injury doesn’t improve or worsens after using wrist support for several weeks, consult your doctor immediately. They may recommend alternative solutions such as yoga, chiropractic care, or acupuncture.
